Over 1,100 trees along Cumbria’s roads are affected by Ash Dieback.
The worst disease since the Dutch Elm outbreak in the 1970s, it is rife across the UK and there is no cure for the fungal infection.
Specialists from the county council have surveyed 5,236 ash trees along Cumbria’s roads and found that 1,102 are suffering from the disease ‘significantly’ and require action.
Cumbria County Council is working closely with districts, boroughs and parish councils, as well as members of the public who own ash trees near public highways.
The county council is contacting landowners who have an ash tree on their property or land, that is infected and could be dangerous, so that the landowner can organise appropriate companies to manage the infected trees, to ensure it does not become a risk to other people or property.
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is very sad news for the UK and also for Cumbria and is out of everyone’s control. Ash trees are one of the most prominent trees in gardens, fields and hedges, and we now need urgent action by the owners of infected trees to ensure they don’t become a danger to people or property.
“All trees should be regularly inspected for safety by a suitably qualified arboriculturist but if you own ash trees it will be useful to learn how to recognise the symptoms of the disease so that you are well prepared to deal with it as early as possible.
“We are suggesting that you go to the Woodland Trust website as they have gathered lots of information about the disease and how to spot it.
“Our priority is public safety, and I would like to thank members of the public, districts, boroughs and parish councils who own ash trees, for their co-operation in felling the infected trees.”
